Parliamentary Procedure: Introduction

Lesson One

General History of Parliamentary Procedure

• Parliamentary Procedure arose from the early days of English Parliamentary Law.

• Formalized by an individual named General Henry M. Roberts a 19th century US Army engineer.

Basic Principles of Parliamentary Procedure

• The right of the majority to rule

• The right of the minority to be heard

• The equal right of each individual to be heard and represented

Meaning of Simple Majority

• This means 51% or more – the rule of simple majority

• When more than a simple majority is required the minority is given the opportunity to defeat the majority.

• Since the primary objective is to determine the will of the majority and execute its will, a simple majority must be used.

Equal Rights & Guarantees of Parliamentary Procedure

• Business is transacted in most efficient and democratic manner.

• All members have equal rights, privileges, and obligations

Equal Rights & Guarantees

• Guarantees right of majority to decide

• The rights of the minority are respected by Parliamentary Procedure. The right to be heard and oppose are rights of the minority.

• Simplest and most direct route to accomplish the will of the majority should by employed.

• Each member has an equal right to propose a motion, debate, ask for information, and vote.

Equal Rights & Guarantees

• Definite guidelines regarding motions; guarantees that each question is fully discussed.

• All motions have a definite order and precedence

• Only one question can be considered at one time

• Any motion restricting the rights of members to speak or vote must be passed by a 2/3 vote.

AGENDA

Order of business

Usual Agenda Includes:

1. Call to order (Chair)2. Taking roll

(Secretary)3. Reading minutes of

previous meeting4. Treasurer’s report5. Report of officers6. Standing committee

reports

Usual Agenda Includes (cont):

7. Special committee reports

8. Unfinished business

9. New business

10. Program (Optional)

11. Adjournment

*Note: Agenda is decided in advance of the meeting by the Chair.

Officers

• President, Chair, Chairman, Presiding Officer

• Secretary

• Treasurer

• Historian

• Parliamentarian

• Sergeant at Arms

Rules of a Club

• Constitution – basic rules guiding a club

• Name of the club

• Purpose

• Requirements of membership

• Officers and how to elect

• Time and place of meetings

• Ways of changing anything by amendment

• Bylaws